DIY Wedding Dramas and How To Avoid Them
Contrary to popular belief, DIY weddings don’t always end up being the most economical - or enjoyable - choice. While they allow for immense creative freedom (hello to the artist in all of us!) and provide an opportunity to put your own ‘uniquely you’ stamp on the day, handling all of the details often causes couples a lot of stress. From overspending and overcommitting to heavy disappointment when things don’t turn out as expected, the team at Peppers Creek Barrel Room and Chapel has seen many DIY pitfalls over the years. Many of these are actually quite sneaky because they’re not immediately obvious or thought about.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of common DIY problems and some tips on how best to navigate them. Even the most organised individuals can fall prey!
Budgets that are inaccurate and/or unrealistic
As most couples don’t have industry experience, they aren’t necessarily aware of all that is involved in putting together a wedding - especially a large-scale one with lots of elaborate elements. Hidden costs arise and tend to add up quickly, as does the amount of time and energy required to make up for inadequate resources. In some cases, funds also need to be reallocated which can create panic and further delay the DIY process.
Main takeaway - Initial planning and thorough research is key.
Taking on too many DIY projects
This one is a biggie! While handmaking stationery and crocheting individual wedding favours for all of your 120 guests sound like beautiful ways to add a personal touch to the day, these DIY efforts aren’t always as simple as originally hoped. Overestimating your creative talents can also lead to burnout and frustration, sucking the fun right out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Main takeaway - Have an honest conversation about your artistic abilities and discuss what you are comfortable committing to DIY-wise as a couple.
Rigid timelines
Another big one! Hiccups happen, often unexpectedly, so it’s important to leave enough cushioning. The aim is to execute everything you’ve planned successfully (and well before the moment you swap ‘I dos’). Rushing = anxiety.
Main takeaway - Be generous with timings! In the event that things do go awry, it’s also a good idea to choose DIY projects that won’t totally ruin or compromise the day if they’re sub-par and left behind. Leave the detailed wedding cakes, towering floral arrangements and other major elements to the professionals!
Poor communication
DIY projects add complexity to wedding coordination so it’s vital that all parties involved are on the same page.
Main takeaway - Clear up misunderstandings early and keep checking in so everything runs smoothy on the day! Instead of assuming family and friends are willing and able to help out, it’s also advised that you ask them first. Agreeing on timeframes and other expectations is important too.
While our preferred suppliers and dedicated wedding coordinators at Peppers Creek Barrel Room and Chapel are the best in the biz (all biases aside!), we definitely appreciate the appeal of DIY. We just encourage our couples to take stock of their resources, capabilities and time before committing.
Photography: Adam Cavanagh